Sixth Form Visit Loughborough

A group of 42 sixth form students arose in what felt like the dead of night on Wednesday morning to journey to Loughborough University for a taste of what it is to study away from home. Our 7am coach took us over 100 miles north of London to weather a few degrees colder, but where a warm welcome was awaiting us.

Our visit kicked off with a rousing introduction to the day, outlining the agenda and focusing on a few key things to think about in preparation for a successful uni career. A group of current students, ranging from undergrads to seasoned PhD researchers, spoke about their own experiences of Loughborough and the aspects of university life that they’ve found most enjoyable and beneficial over the years.

The presentation also drew upon social and, of course, sporting opportunities available to students, as well as the courses, clubs and societies of interest to our group. With particular emphasis on the independent nature of undergraduate study, the talk was an engaging and informative introduction.

Invigorated by the morning session, we ventured out into the drizzling rain for a tour of the campus and a look at some of Loughborough’s world famous sports facilities. From an Olympic standard 50m swimming pool and one of Europe’s largest gyms to outstanding rugby, football and cricket pitches at every turn, the setup is remarkable; well worth a visit for prospective students with even the slightest interest in sport.

After a quick glimpse of some student housing and a good lunch, we made our way to a choice of taster lectures – one focussing on engineering and another on politics and philosophy. Students must be commended for their excellent participation, showing their ability to grasp some very challenging concepts and respond intelligently to difficult questions.

Our day ended with a great talk on making applications and preparing personal statements; it’s safe to say that students came away with a better understanding of what to expect from the admissions process and how to approach choosing the university for them. Remember, research is key!